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 Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 3:07 pm
As Mikaril had needed more rest to complete his recovery from being poisoned, Kyil attempted to use his time wisely. There was only so much he could do to make Mikaril more comfortable in the cave, and now that he was capable of being awake and aware Kyil decided that any more sponge baths would be unwelcome. So aside from scavaging for food in the form of edible moss and fungus, and his poor attempts at fishing, Kyil determined to find a good shop for Mikaril to take him to.
He really disliked leaving him alone. But for the entierty of their stay nothing had even so much as nosed on by the cave. Perhaps it was foolish of him to feel so relaxed and safe? But he could not discount the fact he thought he was doing a good enough of a job 'scouting'.
First there was finding the shops. This actually proved to be a challenge for Kyil! As he was not familar with being out on the street commonly, he realized that it was perhaps a bit important for him to learn. Mikaril probably was well versed in the paths and twists of the streets of the city. Kyil felt a bit...disoriented the first time he had tried to find his way through the streets. He was incredibly fortunate he had had not come across any individuals that would have harmed him! Then again...he didn't dress like he had anything worth takeing save perhaps his own life.
Kyil wondered if even that was enough for some drow at times. The things he saw out in the streets made him long a bit for the safety of his previous homes. It was odd, to feel homesickness for the familar things he no longer had. He supposed that this was only natural, and he determined not to speak of it. Much less acknolwedge it to himself. It made it easier to focus on doing things that would please Mikaril if he did not allow himself to be distracted by such silly things as regret and winsome longing.
Kyil's outings, though obviously half hazard in his wanderings, produced what he hoped were good results. Using bits of coal and scraps of material, Kyil etched out a rough map of the streets directly surrounding a single particular magic shop. There were a few side allys, which revealed to either double back onto a main road or ended up in a dead end. For the sake of detail, he also included any doors and windows on street level that were large enough for the both of them to fit through. It was only as a second thought that he decided to climb to the top of one building and attempt to map out the different roofs present.
That had been tricky. Kyil lacked the skill to draw a proper representation of the rooftops. Plus he wasn't exactly at ease sitting on a roof scribbling on cloth. He was positive that someone would figure out what he was doing and take action against him. In the end he settled for simply outlining the gaps around each building darkly, then he wrote a rough esitmation of the difference in heigh based on the height of the magic shops roof. Above or below. By inchs or what he thought were feet. He included little notes about slopes and rooftops that actually had doors on them. There were not many.
Unknowing if any of this was actually going to be useful, he hesitated to bring the cloth scraps to Mikaril until now. He felt unsure about his attempt to familarise himself with the local of the shop. he even wondered if it had been a waste of time really. Should he have spent more time finding out about the shop? He had only entered it once to give it a quick glance, then had left before the shop keeper even had a chance to welcome him.
"Master.." Kyil called softly as he crept back to the cave after a final check to ensure that his maps were as complete as he could manage. "Are you awake? I..have some things I would like to share with you..."
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Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:46 pm
Devoting every ounce of his energy into making himself well, Mikaril was actually recovering quickly. He knew that Kyil continued to worry about him, so whenever he heard his friend leaving, he would carefully ease himself up and out of bed, walking around the cave and even managing a few easy and non-limit-pushing stetches, ears open for the tell-tale sound of Kyil returning, where he would hastily get back underneath the blanket and act as though he had been there the entire time. He wondered sometimes whether or not if Kyil knew, he would offer to help him by steadying him as he walked around. He undoubtedly would, but good as his friend's intentions were, Mikaril was quite tired of being helpless and vulnerable.
It was one thing if you were alone. He recalled a time when he was smaller and less experienced, and he had tried to single-handedly ambush a trio of deep gnomes as they were mining in a nearly deserted corridor. He had come out of the skirmish with three chunks of pure mithral, a gash in his side and a twisted ankle (he never knew just how fast those squat little things could run). He had found a place to hide and patch himself up, but he had felt a sense of proud self-reliance; he had been successful and now he was showing that he was capable of caring for himself no matter what came his way. But it was different if someone else was doing it, maybe because he had known never to expect such kindness from anyone, much less a fellow drow. Maybe he just felt that it was too good to be true and he ought not to be experiencing it.
Whatever the reason, Mikaril felt that he had had his fill of being waited on and was good and ready to continue his exploits in whatever city he could. He hadn't realized just how much he had missed it; the rush of adrenaline as he closed in for the pull or meandered about a darkened room, hunting for the telltale glints of treasure. And the thrill of having your fingers close around it and knowing it was yours; even if he got caught, provided he was unhurt, a good chase was sometimes the best way to end a great job. He remembered his House robbery with Imordana; he had actually been laughing as the guards had chased him down the corridor. It gave him such a thrill knowing that he was, in his own way, causing chaos and being in control of something, for as long as he eluded capture.
He had just returned to his bed after successfully completing a short jog around the cave without breaking a sweat when he heard Kyil returning. He looked at the cave's entrance and at his friend emerging with what looked like parchments, and he sat up easily, eyes wide and alert. "Yes, I'm awake. What do you have? Is it something to do with the magic shop heist?" Ever since Kyil had mentioned robbing a magic shop, he had been giddy with the idea; in a way, it had been fantastic motivation for him to get back to thieving form once more.
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Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:26 pm
Seeing that Mikaril was awake, Kyil smiled a bit more widely. It was good that he was awake. And his enthusiasim for information concerning their intended practice made him feel a bit more at ease with what he had been doing.
Approching Mikaril, Kyil lowered himself down to the floor and crossed his legs under him. It was then that he unfolded the cloth maps he had made, and he laid them out on the stone between them.
"Actually yes it is. Since I'm not familar with the city, I tried to make small maps of the area surrounding one of the magic shops. I thought you might be able to determin if this would be a good place to try and break into. Though...I am not too certain what I should have been looking for..."
He felt as if he were simple minded as he ran a finger down one of the darker lines. This here is the maind road...and here is the shop...and here are the streets surrounding it. Some of these end up in dead ends..I just..well..I wasn't too sure what I was supposed to be doing...."
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Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 6:17 pm
Mikaril's eyes widened as Kyil revealed the nature of the cloth maps and all but leaped out of bed to view their contents. He followed Kyil's finger as he pointed out roads and dead ends, his eyes widened in excitement. "This is great; this will help immensely! We can determine points of entry and exits, probabilities of running into witnesses, even places to hide should we be discovered. All we need do now is determine what defenses are in place, unless you observed any while you were making these?"
He began to throw the beginnings of a plan together as he spoke. Merchants often slept within the same buildings that they sold their wares in, so they would have to devise a means of disabling the merchant so that he wouldn't be able to stop them from making off with a strategic portion of his inventory. Preferably something that wouldn't touch the merchant himself, since he might have magical protection. A simple magical jamming of the door would suffice. With the merchant otherwise hindered, and if they were quiet, it would give them enough time to browse through the wares and make off with what they wished.
As for a plan of escape, those were usually made in the spur of the moment, though it never hurt to be prepared. A high window was usually best; instant access to shadowy rooftops and almost no witnesses to point out their presence. That and any outcry the merchant would give off would bring anyone who cared running straight for the door of the shop; not a good way to exit.
But all of that would have to be molded to fit whatever outer defenses the shop might have. Mikaril had already decided upon robbing the shop; the very challenge was making him borderline intoxicated, and the thought of having some magic to use or sell was as tantalizing as a sweet to a child.
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Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:33 pm
Kyil felt a great amount of relief at Mikaril's enthusasim. More so did he feel it at the energy he seemed to possess. Mikaril's recovery was perhaps more speedy then he had anticipated. Perhaps it was because he had something to get better for? Kyil glanced down at his cloth renderings.
"I am...very glad that these will be helpful master. I wanted to try and make certain I would not be a hinderance in this task. This way you will not need to watch me so much and will be able to better focus." And avoid another accident, which surely was his own fault. If Mikaril had not felt he had to keep an eye on him...
Kyil mentally pushed the lingering guilt away and instead focused on the maps and answering Mikaril's questions as best he could. "I apologize master. I did not focus on the shop. i was concerned of somehow forwarning the owner by being present too long or often or by asking something suspicious. I only entered long enough to see that there were many shelves, a few tables, and three doors total. There was the enterance door that I passed through, a second door on the opposite side of the room that was closed, and a small archway with curtains over it that I glimpsed stairs between the folds. Outside I spied windows on the top floor, a total of four. Two to the west and two to the south, as the store faces north there is nothing but the door there. but on the east side there is a very small window that is set in the base of the building. I suspect it leads down into a cellar or basement, but it had a pair of locked grates on it. One outside and one inside the window."
He paused then, and nervousely glanced up at Mikaril. Perhaps he had choosen poorly?
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Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:06 pm
Digesting the information with twice the enthusiasm that he would regular sustenance, Mikaril added it to his rapidly evolving plan. It didn't bother him too terribly much that there were bits and pieces missing; most plans had gaps to begin with, and you just took care of those as you were confronted with them. If that wasn't the case, thieves would never get caught, nor would they succeed. Things would just stay unpilfered and places unrobbed, and how unchaotic and boring would that be?
"Okay, so let's add that information to the mix. The door opposite sounds like maybe a closet; no worries there. The stairs undoubtedly lead to the merchant's sleeping quarters, and that's what we'll need to barricade as soon as we find ourselves inside. Magical barriers are common enough, and it wouldn't have to be very big; just enough to cover the opening. Going all the way up would risk setting off something, and it would waste too much time anyway."
"Now, once we do that, we can browse the shelves and pick what we want; try and get items that come with instructions or scrolls with keywords; those will be easier to use as well as easier to sell. Remember, when it comes to items, being easier to sell makes up for it being not so rare. If you can, try and dispel any magics surrounding items; if it looks too complicated though, don't try it. Once we make our selections, we can take down the barrier, go up the stairs, and make our exit through one of the windows; it seems highly unlikely that all four windows would belong to rooms that have sleeping people in them."
He reached out and placed a hand on Kyil's shoulder. "One thing I really want you to do though is gain some confidence in yourself. This kind of profession takes guts and the ability to think on one's feet. If you're too concerned with making mistakes, you're bound to make one, and when that happens, you can't afford to stand there and be sorry. I know you can be a great asset, but sometimes I'm not sure that you yourself believe it. Remember, half the time a thief's success is sheer dumb luck, and having confidence is the best way to make your own luck."
"So," he said as he withdrew his hand. "We'll need a magical barrier and two large sacks, unless we can find one with magically enhanced depth. Anhd while we're getting those, one good stakeout of the shop's outer workings should give us enough information to pull it all off."
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Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:15 am
Mikaril's interest in this pending theft was catching. Or perhaps it was just the fact he seemed so haoppy. So pleased.his is what made Kyil feel more satisfied himself. His eyes, though he tried to focus them on the maps, kept being drawn to Mikarils face. He enjoyed seeing the happiness reflected there. It made him feel as if he really was doing a good job serving his master and friend.
Mikaril was...masterful in his planning. Kyil deepadmired how quickly he seemed to draw together ideas for this theft. "So then we shall simply stay downstairs? I rather like that idea. I do not wish to test myself against a spellcaster. I hear they can be very nasty when they have the upper hand." Kyil responded. "I will do my best to find any protective spells that are in effect....though I do like the idea of useing a few of the items to practice with. Though I am not certain how...well.. I guess that is what this is partly about right?"
Kyil looked up as he felt Mikaril's hand touch his shoulder. The pep talk he was reciving caused Kyil to blink his eyes a few times. He had not expected Mikaril to switch from planning the theft to talking about..well...this...
He felt...wordless at the gentle verbal nudging, and a bit embaressed that Mikaril felt the need to speak to him thus. Inwardly he worried that perhaps it was because of the turn out from their first attempt. Did Mikaril blame him on some level the way he blamed himself? But no...if he did he was certain he would not have spoken so... thoughtfully to him.
"Ah...yes. Well... Where will we find the magical barrier? Shouldn't a basic one do well? If we enter the shop proper, all we would need is to block off, or perhaps even trap the curtained door in case the owner comes down? Of course....if he has protections and barriers up in the shop...maybe I could remove them and recast them on the doorway? Would that work Mikaril?"
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Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:02 pm
Mikaril nodded enthusiastically at Kyil's idea. "That would work, sure; just so long as we had a backup source in case he's a bigger fool than normal and has no magical protection, to speak of." He could just see the grand selection; the trick would be picking the absolute favorites and leaving so many behind. Such was the peril of being a thief; a successful thief.
He did notice Kyil's deliberate avoidance of his pep talk, and to be honest, he felt a tiny bit embarassed once he had gotten it all out in the open. He had given Kyil such talks before and although he knew that they were borne out of concern for his friend's welfare, sometimes it just plain made him feel like a nag. He knew that in the world of drow, only the strong survived, but he genuinely believed that Kyil ahd the potential to not only survive, but thrive. Perhaps it would take something else to make him realize it; some sort of experience. Well, that was precisely what they were heading into.
"Okay, so we pretty much have the basic plan and supply list; all that remains is to determine a time. Is there anything else you would like to do beforehand to prepare? Maybe some practice, or is there anything else you would like to know about thivery-wise?" He himself was eager to get going and contribute to the universal chaos factor, but he would also like to ensure that his new partner was fully prepared.
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Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:19 pm
Kyil took a moment to glance down at his hands. Slowly flexing the open palms, he began to nibble upon his lower lip.
"I would feel more comfortable if I had time to practice, to make certain my skill is what we think it is. However...we need the successful theft of some magical items in order for me to honestly practice and learn about this power...so..."
Kyil lifted his head, a small smile curling at his lips. "Perhaps it would be wisest to gather what we know we need, watch the shop, and attempt the theft soon. If we are very cautious then I think..we should fare well. I think the best way for me to learn is by observation. If we take our time in the theft and it is not rushed I am sure to pick up on things I normally would not think to ask about beforehand....plus..."
And here Kyil could not stop his smile from growing a bit more wide. "You seem eaxcited by this. Which I believe has made me a bit eager to try it as well."
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Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:35 pm
Mikaril thought for a moment. "Well, like you said, your sort of practice can't really begin until we have the magical items already, but.....I think we can still pull it off regardless. I bet you can at least sense magic, and that would still help. Like I said before, even with the best of plans, every successful theft has a measure of luck. We'll just have to pray that ours is good." He beamed at Kyil. "I am glad you're gaining enthusiasm; I hope soon you'll grow to like the exhiliration of the heist as much as I have."
He rose slowly and stretched his arms and legs, then sat cross-legged on his bed and began to do an odd ritual that involved cracking every part of himself that could be cracked. He started with his neck, then swung his upper body around and twisted until his back responded with more pops, then stretching out his arms until the elbows cracked, then his wrists and ankles, and finally his fingers and toes. He shrugged sheepishly at Kyil as he did his fingers. "Don't worry; it doesn't hurt. I do this a lot, you know, to limber up." In truth it usually felt pretty good; something his brother had taught him once upon a time that was entirely too useful to abandon.
Once that was over, he walked over to a corner of the cave where his armor still sat in a neat pile, waiting patiently for its owner to don it and venture forth once more. He began putting it on, looking back at Kyil. "By the way, were you wearing the thieving costume or the one you picked out earlier when you were last out? Either way, I wonder if it might be best if you dress as flamboyant as you can; it will divert suspicion of spying, and I have to admit, you do look half as harmful when you're dressed in the type of clothes you like."
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:00 am
"Well...it is sort of hard to resist. You seem so happy and that in turn makes me quite happy Master." Kyil responded as he stood up from his crouch. He watched, with a small amount of winceing, as Mikaril would make his body pop. He was used to popping others bodies when he administered deep massages, but this was entierly different from that.
"I had no idea. It certainly sounds uncomfortable though. I shall simply take your word on it though. I'm sure you would not purposefully inflict pain on yourself." He replied, then paused as Mikaril would ask him about what clothing he would choose to wear.
Kyil glanced down at the clothing he currently wore. The simple and shadow friendly cloths that Mikaril had selected for him. Then he glanced to the bag that he had given to Mikaril to use as a pillow.
"If you believe so then Yes. I will change into my other outfit. Thank you Mikaril." He really was grateful for a chance to wear the pretty garments. He simply had been unwilling to put them back on in the cave. Seeing as what had happened to his last pretty outfit, he did not want to have the thin fabric snag and tear on the harsh floor.
Collecting the bag, Kyil easily began to shuck the dark clothing and change into the pink and gold set of cloths. "Appearing harmless is a advantage then, right? If it will dissuade suspicion then I will be very hapy to wear my other cloths. How long do you think we will need to watch the shop Master?"
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:50 pm
Smiling both inwardly and outwardly, Mikaril couldn't deny that he was genuinely happy, as his friend had observed. He always loved the thrill of his profession, and he also knew that it was, to say the least, an acquired taste. Not every drow saw the fun in being chased halfway through a city, or the thrill of that split second where you're not entirely sure you'll come out of your heist alive, or the thrill of every fiber of your body on high alert, like a string on an instrument, stretched as taut as it could be before snapping.
He pondered as he began pulling on his arm guards. "You know, I don't believe I've ever hurt myself on purpose.....though I bet there'd be a reason somewhere.....probably as part of a ruse. Sometimes when things go badly wrong, you have to resort to things you wouldn't otherwise do to stay alive. Though I try really hard not to let that happen.....last situation excluded." Even now he was silently berating himself for that experience; never again! he repeated in his head like a chant. But now that he had a partner with a voice of reason, he hoped that it would make a big difference in his actions. Although, he was certain that he wouldn't be able to entirely eliminate his tendency to do slightly harebrained things; he found that at times the crazier an idea was, the more likely it was to work.
He smiled at Kyil as he changed back into the pink and gold costume. It took him back to that time when they first met; Kyil had worn fine clothes and had a burly escort like a prince, and he had been just a street thief, acting out his trade. Despite his delight at having someone to talk to and share things with after years of isolation from his family and endless days alone in the perilous Underdark, he found himself almost wishing that Kyil was still in his pleasure house, serving his mistress and doing all the tasks that he excelled at. He believed Kyil when he said that he was happy just being with him, but Mikaril knew that despite his rather sheltered life, it was one that Kyil had seemed to really enjoy, and he still felt responsible for that being taken from him so abruptly.
He nodded at Kyil's observation. "It's not a ploy that works for everyone, but when it does, it can be a tremendous help. I know of only one thing that works better and that would be playing a feeble mind. Little things portray harmlessness like a mentally broken male." He gestured a bit frantically with his hands. "Not that I'm suggesting you play such a thing; I'm just speaking from experience is all." Plowing ahead and anxious to continue, Mikaril allowed himself an instant's thought before replying. "One day's rushing it, but it can still be done, and too many days increase the chance of being seen and wondered about."
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:11 am
Kyil ran his fingers down over the thin fabric of his pink outfit, smoothing out any wrinkles the material contained from being rolled up. His pink eyes held a small spark of satisfaction. He really did love the feel of the light fabric. He enjoyed the way it made him feel more attractive. At least in his own eyes. It suited him to the job he loved best.
When he looked back up from admireing himself, he caught the small smile that Mikaril himself was indulging in, and felt a slight flush of heat upon his cheeks. He knew the smile was not the mean or otherwise unpleasent sort. But it did make him feel a touch...well...silly. Like a child caught playing with toys they were supposed to be too old to care about anymore perhaps? He was supposed to be learning how to be a thief, and he did not think primping was really a part of his lessons in his case.
"Well..I am certain I can easily portray myself as harmless. At least now." Kyil made a small gesture over his torso. His smile was a faint rememnant of the one he had worn previously. "With no obvious weapons and no mysterious pouchs I think it may lead to the assumption I'm not all that useful." Kyil allowed Mikaril to rush onwards though. Speaking about acts and deceptions seemed odd in a way. He was quite used to playing the role required by his patrons. However, he never actually had to put -thought- into it. It was just...instinctual. Perhaps that is what all this would end up being in the end?
"Hnnn. We don't want to increase the chances of being seen or suspected...so... Well. I will follow your judgement in this. Perhaps one day will be all you need to gather the correct information? You have done this sort of thing before after all. I will try to pick up whatever I can by watching you."
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:04 pm
Trying to guess the meaning behind his friend's flush, Mikaril tried a small shot of reassurance. "It's okay; you look fine. Remember, when we're looking over a potential target, it's best to look as inoffenseive as possible. Besides, I'm pretty sure that a male dressing in such an outfit isn't so terribly unheard of, and who's going to bother to ask anyway?"
He was fairly certain that Kyil could and would do a great job as a harmless, non-threatening presence. But a shadow fell across his face when he was reminded that other than his amazing and budding talent, Kyil had no other weapons. It was a two-edged sword; on the one hand, no visible weapons would enforce Kyil's harmless appearance, doubly so if they were searched for any reason. But on the other hand, it irked him to think that his friend would wander the Underdark with no weapon to fall back on, should his talent for some reason quit on him or become too temperamental to use. He made up his mind then that if Kyil would not carry a weapon, then it was his duty to ensure that Kyil was protected should his ability fail. He had only a knife, but it had sustained him so far.....perhaps he ought to invest in a second knife to hold in reserve; one he could toss to Kyil should he need it. But first they would have to gain the funds.
Mikaril nodded and stood up, now fully clothed and armored. "No time like the present; let us depart before the day gets too old; we still have some shopping to do." He suddenly blinked as he seemed to faintly remember something. "Kyil, is there anything at all left from the inn heist? I can't seem to remember......" He wasn't too terribly worried if there wasn't; a few rounds of pickpocketing would fix that, but depending on how long it would take, it could very well make their actual robbing wait until tomorrow.
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Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:04 pm
It was becoming habit for Kyil to fix Mikaril with a rather studious expression whenever he spoke. It occured to him, sometime during listening to him speak, that Mikaril was possibly younger then he was. It was not easy to judge someones age just by looking at them mostly, but Kyil knew he already had a lifetime of years behind him alread. How old could Mikaril really be? Was it odd that he seemed to be more world wise and mature then kyil felt himself at times? Yet even then he wondered too... he must have achived some sort of understanding of life that Mikaril could not know yet. When they stood side by side...who was the wiser? Kyil's head spun at the thought, so he was very grateful to embrace the distraction of the pointed question.
"Oh! Yes. There is some coins left Master." Kyil walked himself to where the bag currently laid on the ground with his darker cloths within. Ruffleing around inside, he pulled out a handful of copper coins and three silver. "There is not much I'm afraid. I've been using the coins to buy food mostly. I'm not very good at fishing or foraging and I was worried I was not getting enough food into you while you recovered." He apologetically explained while handing the small amount of coins over to Mikaril. Once passed over he moved to the mouth of the cave and peeked outside around the presence of the slagamite. "We are...ready to go now right?"
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